Teens Blog It
November 20, 2009
Announcing Teen Scriptwriting Contest!
We are excited to announce our first ever Vital Film Works/Columbus Metropolitan Library Scriptwriting Contest!
Here is the quick and dirty:
- The contest is open to teens ages 12 to 18 who are Franklin County residents.
- The deadline to submit scripts is December 19, 2009.
- The winner(s) will be announced January 15, 2010.
- In February, 2010 the winner's script will be filmed by Vital Film Works (a local productioncompany) using real actors!
- The winner gets to go on location with the guys at Vital Film Works to see the taping of their script.
- The final film will premiere for all to see during Teen Tech Week in March.
Click here for more information.
Questions? Ask here!
Need help writing your script? Come to the free Vital Film Works Scriptwriting Workshop on Saturday, December 5th at 1:00 p.m. at Main Library. Registration is required.
UPDATE: This past summer Vital Film Works and library staff hosted "Vital Film School," a program in which local teens wrote scripts and filmed their own short films. Check them out!
November 15, 2009
Teens Re-Design Their Favorite Books
Last month Southeast Branch held an art contest for teens ages 12-17 called "Re-design Your Favorite Book's Cover." Winning entries were framed and displayed in the branch's teen area, and winners received free art supplies!
Check out how teens took their favorite books and gave them a new look! Which one is your favorite?
November 10, 2009
He Came. He Spoke. He Inspired.
As you might already know, popular teen author and hilarious vlogger John Green spoke to crowds of fans at Main Library and 7 branches during Teen Read Week (Oct. 18-24) 2009. AND HE WAS GREAT! In case you missed him, this is what people had to say about the experience:
" . . .15 CAHS students came to Linden Branch on the morning of Tuesday October 20th to see author John Green. The students listened to John Green read from his books, discuss becoming a writer (including his stint at Children's Hospital in Columbus), share his opinions about Balloon Boy and the Twilight series. John also swore the room to secrecy after he accidently divulged one very big secret (Sorry I'm not going to be the one to let the cat out of the bag!)"
At Parsons Branch "he gave lots of advice to students about what it takes to be a writer, as well as offered many funny John Green-isms. His views on life, superficiality, love, etc."
At Dublin Branch those who came to see him "left the building feeling that they knew the author just a little bit better than when they walked in . . . His sense of humor and total "class" as a person both contributed to a wonderful experience for all."
A middle school media specialist who brought 60 students to Southeast Branch to meet John wrote this to library staff: "'thank you once again for giving our students at Groveport Junior High School the opportunity to hear, see and talk to an author. I thought John Green did a great job in his presentation and related well to our students. You guys are always top notch. On behalf of our students and staff thank you for everything you do.'"
Did you get to see John? If so, what did you think? We want details!
October 31, 2009
New Moon: Welcome Werewolves Party at Main Library
Attention Twilight enthusiasts: you are invited to a howling good time at our New Moon: Welcome Werewolves! party. Join us as we celebrate the release of the newest Twilight saga movie based on the books by Stephenie Meyer . There will be New Moon/werewolf trivia, snacks, and prizes! Ages 12-17. November 19 at 6:30 p.m. at the Main Library.
October 14, 2009
John Green is Coming!
Teen Read Week is October 18-24, and we are celebrating with none other than award-winning author and vlogger extraordinaire, JOHN GREEN! That's right, the John Green.
Among some of John's best-selling titles include An Abundance of Katherines, Looking for Alaska, and his newest, Paper Towns.
You might also know John from "Brotherhood 2.0," a hilarious year-long online project in which John and his brother, Hank, communicated only through video blogging every weekday for the entire year!
And, if you're a hardcore John Green fan, or "Nerdfighter," then you've definitely been to "Nerdfighters.com," an online community (created by John and Hank) where nerds everywhere gather to "increase awesomeness and decrease suck."
Make sure to check out John's current Web site and blog, Sparksflyup. There is also an entire YouTube channel dedicated to everything John (and Hank) Green. Check it out!
Don't miss out! Come see John Green in person as he talks about his books, vlogging, and life.
UPDATE:
A total of 215 people came to Main Library last night to see John Green speak! If you haven't been yet, there's still time! John will be at Hilltop Branch Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m., and Reynoldsburg Branch Thursday night at 7:00 p.m.
Dates/times:
Tuesday, Oct. 20
Linden Branch: 10 a.m.
Hilliard Branch: 1 p.m.Main Library: 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 21Dublin Branch: 1 p.m.
Hilltop Branch: 7 pm.
Thursday, Oct. 22
Northern Lights: 10 a.m.
Southeast Branch: 1 p.m.
Reynoldsburg Branch: 7 pm.
October 05, 2009
Teen Art Contest
Listen up all you artsy people! Our very own Southeast Branch is holding an art contest for teens ages 12-17 called “Redesign Your Favorite Book’s Cover.”
As you've probably already guessed, the idea is to take your favorite book and design a new cover for it.
Here are more details:
- Entries must be able to be framed (no 3-D entries accepted) and the artwork should be 8X10 inches in size.
- Sketch paper with the correct size marked on it is available for contestants to use at the Southeast Branch Information Desk, or contestants may use own paper or canvas.
- Entry media types can include pencil, pen, charcoal, or pastel sketches, watercolor or oil paintings, computer generated art, original photography, or collage ---as long as the entry is flat, 8X10, and ready to be framed, it will be accepted.
- Make sure that you read and complete the entry form (attached below) and return it to Southeast Branch when you submit your work.
So, if you love to create art, or just really think that your favorite book could use a new look, bust out your pencils/paints/camera/whatever and go to it! Winning entries will be framed and displayed in Southeast Branch's teen area so that everyone can see how talented our teens really are! Winners will receive art supplies as well.
The deadline is October 22, 2009. Good Luck!
October 01, 2009
GH5 is Here!
Guitar Hero 5 was released September 1st and it's getting good reviews. It features 85 new songs by 83 artists, including Coldplay, The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Nirvana.
The game introduces new multiplayer modes that are sure to please fans of social gaming. “Rockfest” mode allows up to 4 local players (or 8 online players) at one time. Another mode, "Party Play," allows players to jump in and out of songs without interruption.
New playable characters include Johnny Cash, Carlos Santana, and Shirley Manson. Even Kurt Cobain is available as an avatar, which has caused some controversy with fans of the former Nirvana frontman.
Love gaming? Then check out Teen Gaming at your nearest library branch. And, if you want to see GH5 in action come to our special Guitar Hero 5 Tournament at Livingston Branch on Monday, Oct. 19 @4:00. Remember, if you want to compete then you need to register ASAP.
Back to the game itself: has anyone played it? What did you think?
September 23, 2009
Thank you, VolunTeens!
As we head in to fall we at Columbus Metropolitan Library would like to take this moment to give a great big THANK YOU shout-out to our VolunTeens.
During Summer Reading Club these special teens dedicate countless hours at Main Library and each of our 22 branches promoting the program, signing people up, awarding prizes, and much more. From helping out at animal programs to straightening the children’s area when it looked like a tornado blew through, they have been there for us. And we appreciate it!
Also, let’s not forget our year-round VolunTeens. These teens are truly great: they put up with us all year!
Anyway, VolunTeens, you guys rock! For real, we couldn’t do it without you.
P.S. check out some of the awesome people that made up our VolunTeen program this past summer:
September 17, 2009
MTV Video Music Awards
Anyone catch the MTV Video Music Awards show on Sunday night? I did, and all I can say is “WOW.” The drama! The fashion! The fake blood! The “New Moon” preview!
I thought that the opening Michael Jackson tribute was really impressive. The other performances weren’t bad, either. If you didn’t watch, Beyoncé took home the Moonman for Video of the Year and Lady Gaga won Best New Artist. Haven't checked out Lady Gaga's latest album yet? Reserve it here!
BTW, what were your favorite moments?
September 14, 2009
Discover My Discoveries!
Have you checked out one of newest things in our catalog? It's called My Discoveries and it's all about you! You can now review, rate, tag, and create lists for books and other materials in the catalog. If you noticed that reviews are gone from the Express It page, it's because of My Discoveries -- which is SO MUCH BETTER for reviewing, etc. Trust me, once you start using My Discoveries -- you won't want to go back to anything else!
Learn more about it by watching this video.
What's my favorite thing to do with My Discoveries? I LOVE being able to create private lists of items that I want to eventually checkout or request. For example, let's say I already have five DVDs on request, but I know there are more movies I'd eventually like to request. I simply add them to my "to watch" list and as space frees up on my card -- I take DVDs from this list and move them over to my request list.
I also enjoy the tagging feature -- I really like seeing how other people tag stuff. The most hilarious and abundant example is for Twilight. Some of the tags for this book are pure comedy gold:
- awesomeness (haha!)
- baseball (that one small scene in the book warrants this tag???)
- dumb (obviously a different opinion than whoever tagged the book "awesomeness")
- klutz (a nod to Bella's clumsy ways, I'm sure)
...and the list goes on & on.
So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the catalog and set up your My Discoveries account today -- start adding even more crazy tags to Twilight or any other book. Go crazy with list making, write a ton of reviews. Do whatever you want! Remember it's all about you and your discoveries. Enjoy!
September 10, 2009
Introducing . . .
Me! Hi everyone. My name is Maggie and I will be your guest blogger for the next couple of months. I know what you’re thinking: “Maggie? Doesn’t she already write posts for this site?" The answer to that is yes! Maggie in Digital Services is the reigning queen of Teens Blog It and has been providing you with insightful, exciting posts since forever. I, on the other hand, am Maggie at Livingston. The other Maggie and I just happen to share the same (obviously fabulous) name.
A couple of things about me: I am a celebrity gossip junkie, I love anything pumpkin flavored, and I have an irrational fear of finding someone else’s strands of hair in my books (weird, I know). Also, I am totally excited to be your new guest blogger! Questions? Ask away!
September 04, 2009
Movin' On Up
In case you can't tell, we have switched blogging platforms. Out with Blogger, in with Drupal!
Should you care? Maybe....if you're a total computer geek. As for the rest of you, you'll still be able to access all of our captivating blog entries and you'll still be able to comment. There shouldn't be too much of a difference. However, comments can only be made anonymously for now. No, anonymous commenting doesn't give you license to spam us or disrespect each other. We ask that you continue to be nice and that you continue commenting. :) We're working on setting up the ability for users like you to create usernames, etc. Stay tuned for that enhancement!
The awesomest thing: This blog is the library's very first Drupal blog! ...Proof that we can always leave it to teens to be able to handle shifts in technology. Go you! Now, we'll wait for everyone else to catch up with us!
August 26, 2009
A Concert Ticket Raffle? At the Library???
Late last week, the clouds parted and concert tickets fell into the hands of some lucky library teens. Or, more likely, we received an anonymous donation of tickets to the American Idol and Jonas Brothers concerts. Talk about generous! The tickets were raffled off to one lucky teen from each library location, but, because there wasn't time to send the tickets (the concerts are this week!), each teen came to Main library to claim their prize (that's why all of the photos have the same background). Check out the photos of some of the teens with their tickets:
If you saw the Jonas Brothers or American Idols this week (ESPECIALLY if you were one of the lucky library winners), comment on this post and give us a review of the concert. How was it?
August 17, 2009
Grand Prize Winners of Teen Summer Reading Club
Remember how we told you that completing milestone 2 of the Summer Reading Club would enter you in a drawing to win a mini-laptop?
Well.....
On August 8 we randomly drew names (using a fancy pants computer program) and had the pleasure of calling up the two lucky (and thrilled!) winners. Calling grand prize Summer Reading Club winners is definitely one of the most fun parts of working at the library.
Alison
Home Location: Dublin Branch
Christopher
Home Location: Southeast Branch
July 29, 2009
Library Announces Budget Cuts
Due to the $8.5 million decline in state funding for Columbus Metropolitan Library (CML), our Board of Trustees has authorized a number of cuts that will be felt throughout the entire system. Effective September 6, 2009:
- All 20 branches of CML will be closed on Sundays (except Main Library)
- Hours cut at all locations. All branches and Main will be open:
- Monday through Thursday: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. MAIN LIBRARY ONLY
- Materials budget has been cut back to 1988 levels
- Hours/pay cut for staff
After exhaustive consideration, we believe we have charted a course that will allow CML to provide the best customer service possible under these difficult circumstances.
We know that in these challenging times our customers need our library more than ever – as we help our community through Job Help Centers, Homework Help Centers and all the resources we make available. We are committed to doing our part to return Franklin County to health and prosperity.
So, we're still here, but in a more limited capacity. Times are tough but I know our city and all of you are even tougher. We'll get through this together. In the long run, we can win this. Don't you think?
July 27, 2009
Summer Reading Club is Winding Down...
But it's not too late to finish the club and earn prizes. And don't forget that there will soon be some raffle drawings for some awesome grand prizes! You could win a mini-laptop, an iPod shuffle or a Private Gaming Party for you and 10 of your friends at your local library.
Need I say more?
Well, I guess I can say more...
Not only is this your last week to finish up your milestones in the Summer Reading Club, but it's also your last week to attend some great SRC teen programs at the library.
I looked through our Events page and found these gems (imho opinion, of course!):
- Paper Crafting at the South High Branch
- Live Clue at the Hilliard Branch
- Book Haters at the Hilltop Branch
July 20, 2009
In Case You Missed the Premiere...
You can catch them all on YouTube! Thanks again to Vital Film Works for partnering with the library on this awesome project.
I think the bloopers are some of my favorite parts. I also like the soundtracks. How about you?
July 16, 2009
Library Budget News
You've probably heard by now that the two year budget for state government was signed on Tuesday. Thanks to your letters and phone calls to state representatives, library funding was not cut as severely as we feared. Even though we're not facing the worst-case scenario, we're still facing funding cuts that are going to force the library to make some very tough choices.
Libraries have already made cuts to accommodate a 20% reduction in state revenue this year. The state budget that was passed on July 13 cut another 11% out of the Public Library Fund. We estimate the continued downward trend of state income to cost libraries at least another 4% this year bringing the total loss to 35%. As a result, the library will have to make significant changes and cuts to our operations while still offering the best service to our customers. Thank you for your support in this difficult time and we will continue to provide updates on this matter.
In the meantime, how can you make a difference?
There are many ways you can help the library in these difficult times. Our materials and collection are deeply affected by the budget cuts. So why not talk to your parents and Adopt-a-Book? This is a great way to show support while helping add a new book to our collection. See how you can Adopt-a-Book and learn about other giving options.
What's most important to you at the library? What services should we be sure not to cut?
July 13, 2009
TeenFilm School Movie Premiere: You're Invited!
We hope Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince won't be the only new movie you see this week!
Under the guidance of local production company Vital Film Works, join us to watch short films created by the teens in our community. The library is thrilled for the opportunity to pilot a program that provides access to technology and allows teens to be more than just “media consumers”…but actual media creators! The library continues to be the great equalizer: providing opportunities for teens to acquire social media skills in our ever-connected world.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Linden Branch Premiere begins at 1:00 p.m.
Northern Lights Branch Premiere begins at 3:00 p.m.
I can't wait to see what our teens have created!
Vital Film Works is a collaboration of artists, storytellers and script writers that produce films, commercials, TV pilots, documentaries, and music videos.
July 06, 2009
THANK YOU, CUSTOMERS!
Budget Update: Monday, July 6
The Governor and the legislature continue to debate the proposed budget.
Keep your fingers double and triple crossed in the hope that libraries are spared significant cuts in funding.
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